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Xu HB, Chen XZ, Zhu SY, Xue F, Zhang YB. A study on molecular mechanism of Xihuang pill in the treatment of glioblastoma based on network pharmacology and validation in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 323:117675. [PMID: 38159819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xihuang pill has been utilized to treat cancer for more than three hundred years in China. The molecular mechanisms of Xihuang pill in treating glioblastoma remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the core molecular mechanisms of Xihuang pill in treating glioblastoma by an integrative pharmacology-based investigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The main active compounds of Xihuang pill were identified from TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, TCMID and CNKI. Glioblastoma-related therapeutic targets were retrieved from GeneCards and UniProt. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was constructed using STRING. GO and KEGG enrichment were performed to analyze the intersection targets between the active compounds of Xihuang pill and glioblastoma. Based on the above analysis, we built a CTP network. The in vitro and in vivo experiments were further performed to validate the crucial molecular targets of Xihuang pill for the treatment of glioblastoma. RESULTS A total of sixty active compounds of Xihuang pill and ten potential targets related to glioblastoma were found. Based on topological analysis, fourteen ingredients were selected as the main active compounds, and MY11 might be the most important metabolite in Xihuang pill. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and receptor tyrosine kinases were considered as crucial targets for Xihuang pill against glioblastoma through KEGG enrichment and CTP analysis. The present experiments indicated that Xihuang pill suppressed the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in glioblastoma cells and mouse xenografts via modulating the expression of PTEN and Rheb proteins, the interaction between TSC2 and Rheb, and the production of PIP3. Meanwhile, after glioblastoma cells treatment with Xihuang pil, the release of IL-1β, INF-γ was increased and the production of IL-10, TGF-β1 was decreased in glioblastoma cells after incubated with Xihuang pill. In addition, the activation of the upstream positive modulators of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway including PDGF/PDGFR and FGF/FGFR signaling were down-regulated in glioblastoma cells and mouse xenografts after treatment with Xihuang pill. CONCLUSION Taken together, Xihuang pill inhibiting glioblastoma cell growth might be partly through down-regulating the activation of PDGF/PDGFR or FGF/FGFR-PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling axis and improving immuno-suppressive micro-environment of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bin Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Zhe Jiang, 315010, China.
| | - Xian-Zhen Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Su-Yan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Zhe Jiang, 315010, China
| | - Fei Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yuan-Bin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Zhe Jiang, 315010, China
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Rodriguez SMB, Kamel A, Ciubotaru GV, Onose G, Sevastre AS, Sfredel V, Danoiu S, Dricu A, Tataranu LG. An Overview of EGFR Mechanisms and Their Implications in Targeted Therapies for Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11110. [PMID: 37446288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite all of the progress in understanding its molecular biology and pathogenesis, glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive types of cancers, and without an efficient treatment modality at the moment, it remains largely incurable. Nowadays, one of the most frequently studied molecules with important implications in the pathogenesis of the classical subtype of GBM is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Although many clinical trials aiming to study EGFR targeted therapies have been performed, none of them have reported promising clinical results when used in glioma patients. The resistance of GBM to these therapies was proven to be both acquired and innate, and it seems to be influenced by a cumulus of factors such as ineffective blood-brain barrier penetration, mutations, heterogeneity and compensatory signaling pathways. Recently, it was shown that EGFR possesses kinase-independent (KID) pro-survival functions in cancer cells. It seems imperative to understand how the EGFR signaling pathways function and how they interconnect with other pathways. Furthermore, it is important to identify the mechanisms of drug resistance and to develop better tailored therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Mara Baez Rodriguez
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Amira Kamel
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Vasile Ciubotaru
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gelu Onose
- Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ani-Simona Sevastre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Veronica Sfredel
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Suzana Danoiu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anica Dricu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ligia Gabriela Tataranu
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 020022 Bucharest, Romania
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Opriţa A, Dobrescu MA, Manea EV, Popescu ŞO, Sevastre AS, Pîrvu AS, Buzatu IM, Tache DE. In vitro evaluation of Axitinib and Sorafenib treatment in glioblastoma cell viability and morphology. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MORPHOLOGIE ET EMBRYOLOGIE 2023; 64:173-180. [PMID: 37518874 PMCID: PMC10520376 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.64.2.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The formation, proliferation, and evolution of glioblastoma (GB) are significantly influenced by pathological angiogenesis. This is supported by several growth factor receptors, such as the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). In this experiment, we examined how the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved VEGFR blockers Sorafenib and Axitinib affect the viability of GB cells in vitro. Cells were cultivated in 96-well culture plates for the experiments, afterwards Sorafenib and Axitinib were administered at doses ranging from 0.3 μM to 80 μM. 2,5-Diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess the impact of VEGFR inhibition on high-grade glioma (HGG) cell lines. To observe the morphological changes in cell shape, we used a 10× magnification microscopy. Our results showed that both Axitinib and Sorafenib retarded GB1B culture proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner in comparison to control cohorts that had not received any treatment. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for Axitinib was 3.5839 μM after three days of drug administration and 2.2133 μM after seven days of drug administration. The IC50 value for Sorafenib was 3.5152 μM after three days of drug administration and 1.6846 μM after seven days of drug administration. After the treatment with Axitinib or Sorafenib, very few cells became rounded and detached from the support, others remained adherent to the culture substrate, but acquired a larger, flatter shape. Our results indicate that VEGFR might serve as a key target in the treatment of GB. Although it is known that in vitro some drugs block the VEGFR more potently, clinical evidence is required to show whether this actually translates to better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Opriţa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania;
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Baloi C, Oprita A, Semenescu LE, Tache DE, Popescu OS, Staicu GA, Dricu A. Combined Effects of Doxorubicin and Temozolomide in Cultured Glioblastoma Cells. CURRENT HEALTH SCIENCES JOURNAL 2022; 48:263-269. [PMID: 36815076 PMCID: PMC9940925 DOI: 10.12865/chsj.48.03.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The oncological field benefits of extensive medical research and various types of cancer notice improvements, however glioblastoma multiforme remains one of the deadliest cancers in humans with virtually no advance in survival and clinical outcome. Temozolomide, the FDA approved drug for glioblastoma, faces numerous challenges such as resistance and side effects. To overcome these challenges, many combination therapies are currently studied. The present study analyses the effects of temozolomide in combination with doxorubicin on a glioblastoma cell line. Our results showed that both drugs displayed a cytotoxic effect on the studied cells in single administration (55% for 100μM temozolomide at 14 days, 53% for 100μM doxorubicin at 14 days), but without a synergistic effect in dual therapy. Although the results failed to produce the expected effect, they propose new research perspectives in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Baloi
- Units of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Alexandru Oprita
- Units of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Daniela Elise Tache
- Units of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Oana Stefana Popescu
- Units of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Georgiana Adeline Staicu
- Units of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Anica Dricu
- Units of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
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Therapeutic Options in Neuro-Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105351. [PMID: 35628161 PMCID: PMC9140894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the biggest challenges in neuro-oncology is understanding the complexity of central nervous system tumors, such as gliomas, in order to develop suitable therapeutics. Conventional therapies in malignant gliomas reconcile surgery and radiotherapy with the use of chemotherapeutic options such as temozolomide, chloroethyl nitrosoureas and the combination therapy of procarbazine, lomustine and vincristine. With the unraveling of deregulated cancer cell signaling pathways, targeted therapies have been developed. The most affected signaling pathways in glioma cells involve tyrosine kinase receptors and their downstream pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways (MAPK). MAPK pathway inhibitors include farnesyl transferase inhibitors, Ras kinase inhibitors and mitogen-activated protein extracellular regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitors, while PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors are divided into pan-inhibitors, PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors and AKT inhibitors. The relevance of the immune system in carcinogenesis has led to the development of immunotherapy, through vaccination, blocking of immune checkpoints, oncolytic viruses, and adoptive immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor T cells. In this article we provide a comprehensive review of the signaling pathways underlying malignant transformation, the therapies currently used in the treatment of malignant gliomas and further explore therapies under development, including several ongoing clinical trials.
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Zheng B, Zheng Y, Zhang N, Zhang Y, Zheng B. Rhoifolin from Plumula Nelumbinis exhibits anti-cancer effects in pancreatic cancer via AKT/JNK signaling pathways. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5654. [PMID: 35383226 PMCID: PMC8983741 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09581-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the anti-pancreatic cancer effects of flavonoids in Plumula Nelumbinis. High-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry showed that apiin, rhoifolin, and vitexin were three principal components in total flavonoids derived from Plumula Nelumbinis, with vitexin being the most abundant component. Cell viability assay revealed that apiin, rhoifolin, and vitexin could inhibit proliferation of PANC-1 and ASPC-1, with rhoifolin showing the maximum inhibitory effect. Rhoifolin inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells, which was associated with up-regulated JNK and p-JNK as well as down-regulated p-AKT. Rhoifolin also inhibited cell migration and invasion, and increased the antioxidant capacity in PANC-1 and ASPC-1. Besides, AKT activator (SC79) or JNK inhibitor (SP600125) effectively reversed the anticancer effects of rhoifolin in pancreatic cancer. Quantitative proteomics analysis showed that rhoifolin altered proteomic profiles in pancreatic cancer cells. Western blot analysis showed that rhoifolin down-regulated transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β2), the regulator of proteoglycan synthesis, with the concomitant down-regulation of phosphorylated SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2), the downstream effector of TGF-β2. In conclusion, rhoifolin regulates the AKT/JNK/caspase-3 and TGF-β2/SMAD2 signaling pathways, which may contribute to its anti-pancreatic cancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingxin Zheng
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixin Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Science and Processing Technology in Special Starch, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningning Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality Science and Processing Technology in Special Starch, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| | - Baodong Zheng
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
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Sevastre AS, Costachi A, Tataranu LG, Brandusa C, Artene SA, Stovicek O, Alexandru O, Danoiu S, Sfredel V, Dricu A. Glioblastoma pharmacotherapy: A multifaceted perspective of conventional and emerging treatments (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1408. [PMID: 34676001 PMCID: PMC8524703 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its localisation, rapid onset, high relapse rate and resistance to most currently available treatment methods, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is considered to be the deadliest type of all gliomas. Although surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are among the therapeutic strategies used for the treatment of GBM, the survival rates achieved are not satisfactory, and there is an urgent need for novel effective therapeutic options. In addition to single-target therapy, multi-target therapies are currently under development. Furthermore, drugs are being optimised to improve their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. In the present review, the main strategies applied for GBM treatment in terms of the most recent therapeutic agents and approaches that are currently under pre-clinical and clinical testing were discussed. In addition, the most recently reported experimental data following the testing of novel therapies, including stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, genomic correction and precision medicine, were reviewed, and their advantages and drawbacks were also summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani-Simona Sevastre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Alexandra Costachi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ligia Gabriela Tataranu
- Department of Neurosurgery, ‘Bagdasar-Arseni’ Emergency Clinical Hospital, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina Brandusa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Stefan Alexandru Artene
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Olivian Stovicek
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Nursing Targu Jiu, Titu Maiorescu University of Bucharest, 210106 Targu Jiu, Romania
| | - Oana Alexandru
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Suzana Danoiu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Veronica Sfredel
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anica Dricu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Aldaz P, Arozarena I. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Adult Glioblastoma: An (Un)Closed Chapter? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5799. [PMID: 34830952 PMCID: PMC8616487 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal form of malignant brain tumor. GBM patients normally undergo surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy. Numerous studies into the molecular events driving GBM highlight the central role played by the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), as well as the Platelet-derived Growth Factor Receptors PDGFRA and PDGFRB in tumor initiation and progression. Despite strong preclinical evidence for the therapeutic potential of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that target EGFR, PDGFRs, and other tyrosine kinases, clinical trials performed during the last 20 years have not led to the desired therapeutic breakthrough for GBM patients. While clinical trials are still ongoing, in the medical community there is the perception of TKIs as a lost opportunity in the fight against GBM. In this article, we review the scientific rationale for the use of TKIs targeting glioma drivers. We critically analyze the potential causes for the failure of TKIs in the treatment of GBM, and we propose alternative approaches to the clinical evaluation of TKIs in GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Aldaz
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Imanol Arozarena
- Cancer Signaling Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Navarre (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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Bolcaen J, Nair S, Driver CHS, Boshomane TMG, Ebenhan T, Vandevoorde C. Novel Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Pathway Inhibitors for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Glioblastoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:626. [PMID: 34209513 PMCID: PMC8308832 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) remains the most fatal brain tumor characterized by a high infiltration rate and treatment resistance. Overexpression and/or mutation of receptor tyrosine kinases is common in GB, which subsequently leads to the activation of many downstream pathways that have a critical impact on tumor progression and therapy resistance. Therefore, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs) have been investigated to improve the dismal prognosis of GB in an effort to evolve into a personalized targeted therapy strategy with a better treatment outcome. Numerous RTKIs have been approved in the clinic and several radiopharmaceuticals are part of (pre)clinical trials as a non-invasive method to identify patients who could benefit from RTKI. The latter opens up the scope for theranostic applications. In this review, the present status of RTKIs for the treatment, nuclear imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy of GB is presented. The focus will be on seven tyrosine kinase receptors, based on their central role in GB: EGFR, VEGFR, MET, PDGFR, FGFR, Eph receptor and IGF1R. Finally, by way of analyzing structural and physiological characteristics of the TKIs with promising clinical trial results, four small molecule RTKIs were selected based on their potential to become new therapeutic GB radiopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bolcaen
- Radiobiology, Radiation Biophysics Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, iThemba LABS, Cape Town 7131, South Africa;
| | - Shankari Nair
- Radiobiology, Radiation Biophysics Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, iThemba LABS, Cape Town 7131, South Africa;
| | - Cathryn H. S. Driver
- Radiochemistry, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, Pelindaba, Brits 0240, South Africa;
- Pre-Clinical Imaging Facility, Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure, Pelindaba, Brits 0242, South Africa;
| | - Tebatso M. G. Boshomane
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Thomas Ebenhan
- Pre-Clinical Imaging Facility, Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure, Pelindaba, Brits 0242, South Africa;
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
- Preclinical Drug Development Platform, Department of Science and Technology, North West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Charlot Vandevoorde
- Radiobiology, Radiation Biophysics Division, Nuclear Medicine Department, iThemba LABS, Cape Town 7131, South Africa;
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ELTD1-An Emerging Silent Actor in Cancer Drama Play. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105151. [PMID: 34068040 PMCID: PMC8152501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor, latrophilin, and seven transmembrane domain–containing protein 1 (ELTD1), is a member of the G–protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily. Although discovered in 2001, ELTD1 has been investigated only by a few research groups, and important data about its role in normal and tumor cells is still missing. Even though its functions and structure are not yet fully understood, recent studies show that ELTD1 has a role in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis, and it appears to be a very important biomarker and a molecular target in cancer diseases. Upregulation of ELTD1 in malignant cells has been reported, and correlated with poor cancer prognosis. This review article aims to compile the existing data and to discuss the current knowledge on ELTD1 structure and signaling, and its role in physiological and neoplastic conditions.
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El-Khayat SM, Arafat WO. Therapeutic strategies of recurrent glioblastoma and its molecular pathways 'Lock up the beast'. Ecancermedicalscience 2021; 15:1176. [PMID: 33680090 PMCID: PMC7929780 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2021.1176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has a poor prognosis-despite aggressive primary treatment composed of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, median survival is still around 15 months. It starts to grow again after a year of treatment and eventually nothing is effective at this stage. Recurrent GBM is one of the most disappointing fields for researchers in which their efforts have gained no benefit for patients. They were directed for a long time towards understanding the molecular basis that leads to the development of GBM. It is now known that GBM is a heterogeneous disease and resistance comes mainly from the regrowth of malignant cells after eradicating specific clones by targeted treatment. Epidermal growth factor receptor, platelet derived growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor are known to be highly active in primary and recurrent GBM through different underlying pathways, despite this bevacizumab is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug for recurrent GBM. Immunotherapy is another important promising modality of treatment of GBM, after proper understanding of the microenvironment of the tumour and overcoming the reasons that historically stigmatise GBM as an 'immunologically cold tumour'. Radiotherapy can augment the effect of immunotherapy by different mechanisms. Also, dual immunotherapy which targets immune pathways at different stages and through different receptors further enhances immune stimulation against GBM. Delivery of pro-drugs to be activated at the tumour site and suicidal genes by gene therapy using different vectors shows promising results. Despite using neurotropic viral vectors specifically targeting glial cells (which are the cells of origin of GBM), no significant improvement of overall-survival has been seen as yet. Non-viral vectors 'polymeric and non-polymeric' show significant tumour shrinkage in pre-clinical trials and now at early-stage clinical trials. To this end, in this review, we aim to study the possible role of different molecular pathways that are involved in GBM's recurrence, we will also review the most relevant and recent clinical experience with targeted treatments and immunotherapies. We will discuss trials utilised tyrosine receptor kinase inhibitors, immunotherapy and gene therapy in recurrent GBM pointing to the causes of potential disappointing preliminary results of some of them. Additionally, we are suggesting a possible future treatment based on recent successful clinical data that could alter the outcome for GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa M El-Khayat
- Cancer Management and Research Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21568, Egypt
| | - Waleed O Arafat
- Alexandria Clinical Oncology Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21568, Egypt
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12
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Updated Insights on EGFR Signaling Pathways in Glioma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020587. [PMID: 33435537 PMCID: PMC7827907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, due to recent advances in molecular biology, the pathogenesis of glioblastoma is better understood. For the newly diagnosed, the current standard of care is represented by resection followed by radiotherapy and temozolomide administration, but because median overall survival remains poor, new diagnosis and treatment strategies are needed. Due to the quick progression, even with aggressive multimodal treatment, glioblastoma remains almost incurable. It is known that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification is a characteristic of the classical subtype of glioma. However, targeted therapies against this type of receptor have not yet shown a clear clinical benefit. Many factors contribute to resistance, such as ineffective blood-brain barrier penetration, heterogeneity, mutations, as well as compensatory signaling pathways. A better understanding of the EGFR signaling network, and its interrelations with other pathways, are essential to clarify the mechanisms of resistance and create better therapeutic agents.
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Bakhshinyan D, Savage N, Salim SK, Venugopal C, Singh SK. The Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde: Parallels Between Neural Stem Cells and Glioblastoma-Initiating Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 10:603738. [PMID: 33489908 PMCID: PMC7820896 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.603738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development, radial glial precursor cells give rise to neural lineages, and a small proportion persist in the adult mammalian brain to contribute to long-term neuroplasticity. Neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in two neurogenic niches of the adult brain, the hippocampus and the subventricular zone (SVZ). NSCs in the SVZ are endowed with the defining stem cell properties of self-renewal and multipotent differentiation, which are maintained by intrinsic cellular programs, and extrinsic cellular and niche-specific interactions. In glioblastoma, the most aggressive primary malignant brain cancer, a subpopulation of cells termed glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) exhibit similar stem-like properties. While there is an extensive overlap between NSCs and GSCs in function, distinct genetic profiles, transcriptional programs, and external environmental cues influence their divergent behavior. This review highlights the similarities and differences between GSCs and SVZ NSCs in terms of their gene expression, regulatory molecular pathways, niche organization, metabolic programs, and current therapies designed to exploit these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bakhshinyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Neil Savage
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sabra Khalid Salim
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Chitra Venugopal
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sheila K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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14
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Reduced EGFR and increased miR-221 is associated with increased resistance to temozolomide and radiotherapy in glioblastoma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17768. [PMID: 33082482 PMCID: PMC7576591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74746-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite aggressive treatment with temozolomide and radiotherapy and extensive research into alternative therapies there has been little improvement in Glioblastoma patient survival. Median survival time remains between 12 and 15 months mainly due to treatment resistance and tumor recurrence. In this study, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms behind treatment resistance and the lack of success with anti-EGFR therapy in the clinic. After generating a number of treatment resistant Glioblastoma cell lines we observed that resistant cell lines lacked EGFR activation and expression. Furthermore, cell viability assays showed resistant cells were significantly less sensitive to the anti-EGFR agents when compared to parental cell lines. To further characterise the resistance mechanism in our cells microRNA prediction software identified miR-221 as a negative regulator of EGFR expression. miR-221 was up-regulated in our resistant cell lines, and this up-regulation led to a significant reduction in EGFR expression in both our cultured cell lines and a large cohort of glioblastoma patient tumor tissue.
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15
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Tan S, Yi P, Wang H, Xia L, Han Y, Wang H, Zeng B, Tang L, Pan Q, Tian Y, Rao S, Oyang L, Liang J, Lin J, Su M, Shi Y, Liao Q, Zhou Y. RAC1 Involves in the Radioresistance by Mediating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:649. [PMID: 32411607 PMCID: PMC7198748 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy is a common and acceptable approach for lung cancer. Although the benefit of ionizing radiation (IR) is well-established, cancer cells can still survive via pro-survival and metastasis signaling pathways. Ras related C3 botulinum toxin substrate1 (RAC1), a member of Rho family GTPases, plays important roles in cell migration and survival. In the present study, we investigated the effects of RAC1 on the survival of lung cancer cells treated with irradiation. The results showed RAC1 is overexpressed in lung cancer cells and promoted cell proliferation and survival. Furthermore, IR induced RAC1 expression and activity via the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and then enhancing cell proliferation, survival, migration and metastasis and increasing levels of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, which facilitated the cell survival and invasive phenotypes. In addition, overexpression of RAC1 attenuated the efficacy of irradiation, while inhibition of RAC1 enhanced sensitivity of irradiation in xenograft tumors in vivo. Collectively, we further found that RAC1 enhanced radioresistance by promoting EMT via targeting the PAK1-LIMK1-Cofilins signaling in lung cancer. Our finding provides the evidences to explore RAC1 as a therapeutic target for radioresistant lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pin Yi
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Cancer Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Heran Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hepatology Unit, Department of Infectious Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longzheng Xia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yaqian Han
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Biao Zeng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Cancer Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qing Pan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Cancer Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yutong Tian
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Cancer Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shan Rao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Linda Oyang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaxin Liang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinguan Lin
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Su
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingrui Shi
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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16
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Alexandru O, Horescu C, Sevastre AS, Cioc CE, Baloi C, Oprita A, Dricu A. Receptor tyrosine kinase targeting in glioblastoma: performance, limitations and future approaches. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2020; 24:55-66. [PMID: 32514239 PMCID: PMC7265959 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2020.94726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
From all central nervous system tumors, gliomas are the most common. Nowadays, researchers are looking for more efficient treatments for these tumors, as well as ways for early diagnosis. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are major targets for oncology and the development of small-molecule RTK inhibitors has been proven successful in cancer treatment. Mutations or aberrant activation of the RTKs and their intracellular signaling pathways are linked to several malignant diseases, including glioblastoma. The progress in the understanding of malignant glioma evolution has led to RTK targeted therapies with high capacity to improve the therapeutic response while reducing toxicity. In this review, we present the most important RTKs (i.e. EGFR, IGFR, PDGFR and VEGFR) currently used for developing cancer therapeutics together with the potential of RTK-related drugs in glioblastoma treatment. Also, we focus on some therapeutic agents that are currently at different stages of research or even in clinical phases and proved to be suitable as re-purposing candidates for glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Alexandru
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova and Clinical Hospital of Neuropsychiatry Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Cristina Horescu
- Unit of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ani-Simona Sevastre
- Unit of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Catalina Elena Cioc
- Unit of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Carina Baloi
- Unit of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Alexandru Oprita
- Unit of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Anica Dricu
- Unit of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
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